What is this?

[pieman2008i]

ok my last post wasn't all that relevant (sorry)!

But I found this to redeem myself: http://www.eon-uk.com/distribution/...ting Procedures Modules/MODULE 17 Cutouts.pdf

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Bonjour monsieur, J'ai mal a la tête. Ca coute combien?

As far as my french goes

Veuillez partir, j'ai un pistolet.

 

[JohnD]

I was previously employed in the Electricity Supply and Distribution industry.

If it was me, I would occasionally feel (with rubber gloves) those horrible tails going next door (for example, when they are running their tumble-drier or washing machine). Then, if the situation warranted it, I might be able to truthfully call my DNO and report that the tails were undersized, rubber-insulated, and seemed to get hot under load. That should attract their attention. You might also mention that the wires appear to pass through a metal conduit with no grommet, ferrule or edge-protection to prevent chafing and you are not sure that they are double-insulated.

The iron head will be filled with pitch to seal it. Look out for any signs that the pitch is leaking out, especially if it seems to be melting. If so, again, tell the DNO.

If you find them unresponsive to phone calls, send a letter describing what is worrying you, and ask them to confirm, in writing, that it is safe. Letters tend to get passed to competent people, whereas phone calls can be fobbed off. They will not want to risk having a coroner ask them why they did not respond to your safety concerns. For some reason the utility companies get very anxious about this.

p.s. it will probably not kill you as long as you don't touch it

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The iron head will be filled with pitch to seal it. Look out for any signs that the pitch is leaking out, especially if it seems to be melting. If so, again, tell the DNO.

 

[plugwash]

ok my last post wasn't all that relevant (sorry)!

But I found this to redeem myself: http://www.eon-uk.com/distribution/...cedures Modules/MODULE 17 Cutouts.pdf[/QUOTE]

Interesting particulally

"Live changing of metal-clad cut-outs, multiphase cut-outs (including Single
Pole Fuse-Units), or cut-outs connected to paper insulated cables is strictly
prohibited."

Which leads to the question of what do they do with the above types of cutouts, cut off the whole street? cut and rejoin the service cable?

edit: seems they do cut and rejoin the service cable

"If in the judgement of the competent person, and/or their supervisor, any of the
above conditions cannot be met, the service must be disconnected from the
main (preferably by cutting the service cable) and the cut-out changed under
'dead' conditions

If in the judgement of the competent person, and/or their supervisor, any of the
above conditions cannot be met, the service must be disconnected from the
main (preferably by cutting the service cable) and the cut-out changed under
'dead' conditions"

 

[JohnD]

I wonder if they would cut it just below the existing service head, or if they would insist on digging up the pavement?

maybe they have some kind of non-conductive saw or cutter?

 

[oharaf]

They cut the cable, or they did at ours, wrapped in a jumper, certainly was not made 'dead'!!!!!!!!

 

[pieman2008i]

A big thanks to JohnD!!! by far the most useful & helpful reply so far!!! I think I will be writing to them today...

JohnD p.s. it will probably not kill you as long as you don't touch it

ban-all-sheds

That isn't really useful is it? or is that the gun you mentioned earlier in the post? Imagine if I was dumb enough to take you seriously and took a heat gun to my electricity supply???

JohnD I wonder if they would cut it just below the existing service head, or if they would insist on digging up the pavement?

I think they are likely to work live as digging up the pavement is a big ask & Is it not a bit like when an electrician removes a 100a fuse to change a consumer unit - they are NOT supposed to touch it but they cannot do the job without removing it? Offically speaking don't do it live, practicaly speaking you don't have much choice!

oharaf They cut the cable, or they did at ours, wrapped in a jumper, certainly was not made 'dead'!!!!!!!!

I hope by jumper you don't mean the woolly variety???

 

[RF Lighting]

They cut the cable, or they did at ours, wrapped in a jumper, certainly was not made 'dead'!!!!!!!!

They don't seem especially bothered in the YEDL area.

I needed a service moved from inside in a kitchen to an external meter box.

Existing service was a cast iron cutout fed in PILC. The chap removed the old cutout live, taped up the end of the cable which he pulled up the cavity to the meterbox. Stuck a new insulated head on the end and a BS951 clamp for earth. Job done.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And how much did they rush you for that?

 

[Guitarguy]

I work for the DNO and we pretty much always change cast iron cutouts like that pitch leaking or not. If it was the other type (black plastic pitch filled) of cutout, then it would probably be left providing the pitch isn't leaking and it's in good condition. Also, the neutral in the cast iron cutouts tends to be fused so that is another reason for the change.

 

[RF Lighting]

And how much did they rush you for that?

Not entirely sure. My customer sorted that out with them directly, but I'd imagine a couple of hundred pounds for the pleasure.

OOI, guitar guy, would you or are you allowed to remove / replace cast iron cutouts on a live supply cable?

 

[Guitarguy]

The single phase ones can be changed live, if there is a three phase one though, the supply must be turned off.

 

[RF Lighting]

Thanks. How did you get into jointing? I've always fancied it as a bit of a change from general contracting, but I suspect it is probably a case of grass being greener on the other side.

 

[Guitarguy]

I've been into electrics and that since i was a kid and I just sent my CV to SSE as I heard that they were recruiting trainees and I got a reply saying they had craft traineeships going so i had an interview and chose jointing over line work as i'm not that great when it comes to heights and it went from there. I find it really interesting I get involved with 11KV HV as well and installing new substations and the like. The work definately varies a hell of a lot